Computer Game Development (with Foundation Year)

Why choose this course?
This course is designed to develop strong technical game development and project management skills to enhance your employability.

The team work closely with organisations such as UK Games Fund, Games Wales and BAFTA Cymru to ensure that our students always have access to cutting-edge industry-related training and knowledge.

We are home to the innovative Games Talent Wales programme and a UK regional Tranzfuser hub that is sponsored and supported by the UK Games Fund and UK Games Talent. Our business incubation centre is home to several award-winning student owned game studios.

With more than a decade of evolution behind it, students on this course will:

• Develop the technical skills that underpin games design, programming and the technical game art pipeline.

• Enjoy the benefits of close industry engagement with regular visits, notable guest speakers, presentations, discussion groups and social events.

• Gain valuable experience and insight into the game development process and the management of an independent game studio.

• Benefit from a personal mentor with games development experience to help develop your skills and knowledge.

• Have access to our in-house business incubation centre and the latest tools and technology in a specialist game development studio.

• Develop a professional game design portfolio and critical employability skills.

Key Course Features:

• Regular contact with games and media industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars and local & national events.

• You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team with professional industry backgrounds and experience.

• Access to our in-house games business incubation centre.

• Learn how to manage a professional game development team using industry-standard methodologies and practice.

• The course is an official BAFTA Cymru Games Awards partner and sponsor.

• Work with the latest tools and technology in two specialist game development studios dedicated to designing, production, motion capture and VR.

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
The foundation year provides students with the knowledge and confidence in the use of formula, data manipulation and representation. You will gain an understanding of the core hardware and software associated with the use of computer systems, as well as keeping up-to-date with current developments in technology. There will be numerous opportunities to work on practical activities such as robots, CAD design which will be further developed at degree level.

MODULES
Computing Mathematics
Computer Hardware and Software
Developments in Technology
Design and Technology
The Skills You Need
Contextual Studies

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)
Level 4 introduces both theoretical and practical skills as you will work as part of a small game development team and learn the basics of production management along with building knowledge of 2D & 3D design and development. Maths and programming also play an important role along with an understanding of the hardware used for gaming and media.

You will also explore the broader context of game development and the critical issues facing the industry today.

MODULES
Game Design & Interaction
Game Technology
Game Asset Development
Game Environments & Narrative Design
Problem Solving with Programming
Game Industry & Agile Production Methodologies

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)
Level 5 builds on and expands your portfolio of skills and knowledge, adding to your digital sculpting and modelling skills along with audio design and production for games. You will also learn how to design and develop apps for Android and other mobile platforms.

Critically, during the second semester, you will further enhance your development and management skills by working on two substantial group game projects utilising industry standard management methodologies and supporting tools.

MODULES
Serious Games Technology
3D Modelling & Animation For Game Engines
Audio Technology for Games
Internet & Mobile App Development
Group Project
Indie Studio Management & Game Production

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)
Level 6 further expands on the previous skills acquired, with a focus on professional quality and management alongside advanced practical skills.

The innovative final year group project is designed to deepen your understanding of your chosen role and responsibilities as a professional developer, further preparing you for the workplace. You will form a game development team and specialise in a technical role of your own choosing for a full academic year. You and your team will present the finished game at the annual game expo event attended by both members of the public and industry representatives.

We have strong industry links and our final year modules are designed to focus on career development to prepare you for the transition from graduation to full-time work.

Students will have the opportunity to further enhance their career opportunities by engaging with the Games Talent Wales and Tranzfuser development programmes.

MODULES
Project
Advanced Games Programming
Multiplayer Design & Optimisation
Advanced 3D Modelling & Animation for Game Engines
Future Technologies

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Teaching & Assessment

Game development students are assessed in a variety of ways over the course of their undergraduate studies. The balance between the different forms of assessment is determined by the different aims and learning outcomes of the modules.

Assessment methods include the production of digital (and non-digital) games, writing technical and academic reports, compiling and analysing production data, giving presentations, writing code, producing 3D models and audio files.

At higher levels of the course, students will also be required to provide statistical evidence of work hours with supporting evidence as part of key assessment outcomes.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject-specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through the use of digital management tools such as Jira, and through feedback given to students, which takes several forms including small group and one-to-one discussions.

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.